Over a decade after it went off the air, the reputation of the short-lived sketch comedy show The State has grown to legendary status. The eleven members of the troupe have enjoyed varying measures of success as actors, writers and directors with notable projects like Reno 911, Stella, Wet Hot American Summer and the massively successful Night At the Museum films. It’s wonderful to see these fine comedians doing well, but none of these projects is as singular, outlandish or laugh-out-loud funny as The State.

In the tradition of Monty Python and Kids in the Hall, The State were a group that hit the ground running with a unique and fully-realized comic voice. Absurdity, self-awareness, inspired situations and hilarious characters were in no short-supply. During its run, quotes from the show were gleefully bandied about amongst eager friends as often as gems from The Simpsons or Seinfeld.

Dvd’s hadn’t come out when the show went off the air, and since their introduction fans have been begging for the show’s release. It’s been far too long a wait, but The State is finally available, ready to be enjoyed by nostalgic fans and curious newcomers. I emphatically reccomend purchasing this or at least checking it out. The State is dead, long live The State.